Srinagar, Mar 30 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Power Amnesty Scheme for domestic consumers has been extended till March 31, 2026, providing continued relief to consumers by waiving interest and surcharge accumulated up to March 2025.
Replying to an unstarred question raised by MLA Mian Mehar Ali, the government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the scheme remains in force and aims to facilitate consumers in clearing outstanding dues through a structured mechanism.
Regarding concerns from Kangan constituency over alleged arbitrary disconnections, the government stated that while a number of consumers have availed the scheme and are regularly paying arrears in instalments, disconnection drives are being carried out strictly as per rules against persistent defaulters and in areas with poor payment compliance.
It, however, added that necessary directions have been issued to the field to ensure that power disconnections are undertaken judiciously and inconvenience to consumers—especially during harsh winter conditions—is minimised.
On complaints about inflated electricity bills, the government clarified that billing is done based on meter readings in metered areas, while in non-metered areas, it is calculated on a flat rate basis as per the agreed load. The tariff, it said, is approved by the regulator, JERC, under the laid-down framework.
To address billing-related grievances, the government said a redressal mechanism is already functional through the JK SAMADHAN portal. Consumers can also approach their respective Electric Sub-Divisions for complaints related to load revision or tariff applicability.
It further stated that DISCOMs have established a multi-tier grievance redressal system, allowing consumers to escalate their issues to higher अधिकारियों including Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Managing Director if not satisfied at the initial level—(KNO)